Collaborating with True Culture University and its visionary founder, Miles Henderson, on the Filmmaking, AI, and Afrofuturism workshop was a truly transformative experience. Miles’s leadership and dedication to empowering youth within the African diaspora were evident throughout the entire process, creating an environment where innovation, cultural pride, and collaboration thrived.
The workshop brought together an amazing group of students who embraced the challenge of creating short films that married storytelling with cutting-edge AI tools like CapCut, Canva, and Kaiber. Among the participants, Fikir stood out as a testament to his creativity and sheer tenacity for the DIY process. With minimal resources and the unwavering support of his family, he crafted an inspiring short film that earned him first place and our cash prize.
Equally integral to the workshop’s success was Abel Samson, who went above and beyond to keep the program organized and ensure every detail ran smoothly. His diligent efforts were crucial not only in the workshop but in supporting True Culture University as a whole, allowing me to focus on guiding the students through the creative process and introducing them to the immense potential of AI in filmmaking.
What struck me most was the energy and commitment of the True Culture University team. Under Miles Henderson’s leadership, the organization consistently empowers young people to connect with their roots while envisioning bold futures. I was particularly impressed with Miles’s ability to foster a sense of community and collaboration, even as students were exploring complex tools and unfamiliar technologies.
The workshop also celebrated the achievements of seven students, including:
1. Elham Miftah
2. Yostiena Negash
3. Bazi Nasir
4. Mahilet Getaneh
5. Yordanos Tsegaye
6. Fikir Kassahun
7. Abel Samson
They received certificates after successfully completing challenging exercises in script development and video creation. Their dedication and hard work were truly commendable.
List of Classes:
• Week 1: Introduction to Filmmaking, AI and Afrofuturism
• Week 2: The Art of Storytelling & Getting Started with AI
• Week 3: Advanced Scriptwriting, Storyboarding, and Pre-Visualization
• Week 4: Preproduction & Getting Started with AI Video
• Week 5: Production and The Basics of Cinematography
• Week 6: On Set Management + Advancing Your Skills with AI Tools
• Week 7: Post Production and Video Editing Basics
• Week 8: Your Vision of Afrofuturism & Introduction to Mobile Editing & VFX
• Week 9: Understanding Film Distribution
• Week 10: Closing Session
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue building on this foundation in future workshops. The next iteration will explore groundbreaking tools like Kaiber’s Superstudio and OpenAI’s Sora AI video generator, opening up new possibilities for storytelling and creative expression. These innovations will empower students to push the boundaries of what’s possible, creating narratives that reflect the depth and diversity of the African experience.
This collaboration reaffirmed my belief in the power of cultural storytelling and the potential of young creatives when given the right tools and support. I look forward to working with Miles and True Culture University again to inspire even more groundbreaking work from the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers.
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